GET IT I LOCAL PROFILE
A MOMENT
with
MADONNA WILLIAMS
adonna Williams is many things; owner of Zen Soul Life, international yoga instructor, published author of Zen Soul Your Life (2013), founder of Williams Talent Management and a wife and mother. She has had an extraordinary career path spanning working as a Zen Thai Shiatsu massage therapist, to a nutritionist and personal trainer. Providing her expertise to respected organisations including the likes of Sanctuary Cove Recreation Club, Golden Door Mirage and Queensland Education, Madonna has gone from strength to strength. It was in 1993, during a tough rehabilitation from a horse riding accident, that Madonna started to study the ancient practice of yoga through books. “I quickly learnt the true gift of yoga for healing and I became fascinated with the benefits of every posture!” she recalled. Today, this is still where Madonna’s passion lies, and her teachings are influenced by the traditions of Hatha, Vinyasa and Kundalini, as well as the modern approach to Yin and Restorative Yoga. It is at her health and healing studio Zen Soul Life, providing yoga, Pilates and meditation that Madonna’s dreams and love for what she does come to fruition. Seeing the growth of Yogis over their yoga teacher training courses and retreats, and getting to teach yoga internationally (including China recently) have always been wonderful moments. It is now a family affair with her husband Scott completing his yoga teacher training last year, and their son Jack set to undertake the course in February this year. “Such love and joy on people’s faces after classes fills me up! Also, when students graduate as new teachers and I rock up as one of their students. I literally cannot get the smile off my face,” Madonna explained. In today’s busy world of tight deadlines and jam-packed schedules, it’s more important than ever to take time for our health. Madonna spoke of the disconnect people feel in today’s world and the rise of depression and anxiety, as well as stress related diseases.“We need yoga as a life skill to help us relax, rebalance, energise and connect with each other so we can be aware of what it means to be truly deeply happy, peaceful and in love with life.” For those hoping to start practicing yoga in 2019, Madonna recommends being prepared to try different styles and teachers while you find the level right for you. Then simply turn up with a good mat, water bottle and be open to finding what resonates with you!
January 2019
Get it’s Kathleen Loxton sits down with yoga powerhouse and January cover star Madonna Williams
As Madonna’s wisely said,“The first step is to turn up and to begin to understand that yoga is a process not an immediate outcome.” The future of Zen Soul Life is a bright one, with classes expanding from Paradise Point, Coomera, Oxenford, Pacific Pines, Runaway Bay and Main Beach to Southport Broadwater Parklands and Burleigh Heads this year. Further away from home retreats will continue in Byron Bay, and now also Bali. With an exciting year ahead, Madonna’s one-on-one healing miniretreats (in her own private retreat shala) will continue along with the expansion of her essential oil tribe, where members connect and share the therapeutic and emotional balance benefits of precious essential oils. Though,“Of course there’s always a few special surprises planned!” Madonna shared. As a person with many gifts, Madonna also wouldn’t count out doing a follow-up book to Zen Soul Your Life (2013), her A to Z guide for yoga beginners covering positive thoughts, healthy recipes and yoga postures.“I’ve always wanted to write a book about my family and how they’ve shaped me into who I’ve become,” Madonna said. With her son Tom, a talented artist, and plenty of life experiences to draw from, we’ll be watching this space. Feeling incredibly grateful to have spent time with this modernday wonder woman, Madonna leaves us Get it girls with one intriguing thought:“One of my biggest dreams is to attract the ultimate assistant who is inspired by what we do and wants to join me on this incredible yoga mission!” Could this be one of you Get it girls? Start your yoga journey today, and you never know where it’ll take you. See Madonna's full Q&A with Get it at getit-magazine.com.au/ blog/, and follow her at zensoullife.com.au
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We need yoga as a life skill to help us relax, rebalance, energise and connect with each other so we can be aware of what it means to be truly deeply happy, peaceful and in love with life.
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Photography Drishti Videography drishtivideography.com
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